Ethics & Origins: Where Black Diamonds Come From (and Why It Matters)

Black diamond necklaces and ring by jewellery designer Misa.

Ethics & Origins: Where Black Diamonds Come From (and Why It Matters)

Emma
Founder, Stone Hearts Club

Title

Beauty with depth, meaning, and a conscience.

When you fall in love with a black diamond, you’re drawn to more than its hypnotic hue. You’re drawn to what it represents — strength, individuality, and quiet rebellion. But there’s another layer that matters just as much: where it comes from, and what that means for the planet and the people who make these stones possible.

Let’s get into it.

So, what exactly is a black diamond?

Before we go deep into the ethics, it’s worth knowing what we’re talking about.

Black diamonds are real diamonds — formed under the same intense heat and pressure as white ones — but with a twist. Their dark, inky tone comes from graphite and other inclusions trapped inside during their creation. That means no two are ever the same, each one carrying its own cosmic fingerprint.

There are also treated black diamonds (natural white or grey stones that have been heat- or radiation-treated to achieve their colour) and natural fancy black diamonds, which get their deep colour from nature itself.

Jennie Kwon rings stacked on model's hand. Including black diamonds, rubies, emeralds and white baguette diamonds

Jennie Kwon black diamond necklaces paired with a small emerald necklace.

A mixture of dainty black diamond, white diamond and pearl rings by Jennie Kwon on a model's hand.

Title

Black diamonds are always a crowd pleaser- classic, edgy and especially when in these delicate dimensions, a perfect pop of definition to your ring stack.”

Jennie Kwon

Fine Jewellery Designer

Title

Where do black diamonds come from?

Natural black diamonds are mined mainly in Brazil and the Central African Republic, with smaller sources found in countries like Russia and India.

There’s even a theory that black diamonds — also known as carbonado diamonds — might not be from Earth at all. Some scientists believe they originated in outer space, arriving here via ancient meteorite impacts. Otherworldly, literally.

That cosmic origin story makes them all the more fascinating — but when it comes to modern jewellery, ethics matter just as much as mystery.

The ethics: Why it matters

Gloved hands sifting through a trough at an ethical diamond mine.

Just like white diamonds, not all black diamonds are created (or sourced) equally. At Stone Hearts Club, we believe transparency is beautiful — because knowing where your stone comes from should feel as good as it looks.

Many jewellers today prioritise conflict-free and responsibly sourced stones, often working with suppliers who can trace their diamonds back to ethical mines or certified lab-grown sources. This ensures fair labour, safer working conditions, and less environmental impact.

If ethics are high on your list (and they should be), lab-grown black diamonds are a brilliant option. They’re chemically identical to mined ones, just created in a controlled environment — no heavy mining, no ethical grey areas, and no compromise on style or symbolism.

Choosing conscious luxury

In a world where every purchase says something, a black diamond can say two things at once: I stand out and I stand for something.

It’s about celebrating individuality without closing your eyes to impact — because luxury today isn’t about excess, it’s about awareness.

So when you wear black diamonds, you’re not just wearing a gemstone. You’re wearing a statement: beauty, strength, and responsibility can (and should) coexist.